Underwater monitoring systems and processes

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of an underwater monitoring system are provided. In one embodiment, the system has an anchor stake connected to a vented pipe. The pipe has an interior and an exterior and is configured to house a sensor in the interior. The vents on the vented pipe are configured to exchange water between the interior and the exterior while protecting any interior sensors.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to underwater monitoring stations for monitoring pressure, temperature, salinity and other factors in underwater environments.

BACKGROUND

Monitoring various environmental factors such as pressure, salinity, etc. in an underwater environment, such as a coastal or marine environment, is challenging for a number of reasons. Waves, currents, sediment, and biological activity may each damage sensitive equipment such as sensors. The problems are exacerbated when trying to, for example, measure factors near the seafloor where sediment may be moving very fast. Typical solutions have required large and/or heavy structures to weigh down the monitoring equipment to be placed near the seabed. This is not only an expensive solution but may be particularly difficult in shallower locations which vessels cannot access to transport and place large and/or heavy structures. Moreover, the sensors may still be damaged by waves, currents, sediment, and biological activity.

What is needed is a cost-effective system for monitoring various factors in underwater environments. It would further be advantageous if such a system was portable, adaptable to monitor many factors, stable in large waves and high currents, able to be securely anchored in diverse environments, and/or relatively easy to install.

SUMMARY

Advantageously, the embodiments of the present disclosure meet one or more or even all of the aforementioned needs.

In one embodiment the disclosure pertains to an underwater monitoring system comprising an anchor stake connected to a vented pipe. The vented pipe has an interior and an exterior and the vented pipe may be configured to house an interior sensor. The vents on the vented pipe are configured to exchange water between the interior and the exterior while protecting the interior sensor.

In another embodiment the disclosure pertains to an underwater monitoring system comprising a central anchor stake pipe. The underwater monitoring system has a first vented pipe configured to house a sensor wherein said first vented pipe is connected to the central anchor stake pipe on a first side. A second vented pipe is configured to house a second sensor and the second vented pipe is connected to the central anchor stake pipe on a second side. The central anchor stake pipe, the first vented pipe, and the second vented pipe are aligned substantially parallel to each other in substantially the same plane. The central anchor stake pipe, the first vented pipe, and the second vented pipe are spaced sufficiently apart to facilitate water circulation through the first vented pipe and the second vented pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages, and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings only illustrate preferred embodiments of this invention, and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that vary only in detail. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a representative device. FIG. 1B shows an exemplary configuration comprising a top plate, bottom plate, and sensor. FIG. 1C shows representative vented pipe variants. FIG. 1D shows a representative device with optional deep anchors.

FIG. 2 shows a representative connecting mechanism.

FIG. 3 shows a representative connecting mechanism attached to a vented pipe.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom portion of a central anchor stake beveled toward the outside to facilitate displacement of sediment.

FIG. 5A shows a representative device with a different central anchor stake embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a representative embodiment with a tapered anchor stake.

FIG. 5C shows a representative embodiment with a metal base plate.

FIG. 5D shows a representative embodiment with a metal base plate attached to a pipe with fasteners.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

General System and Process

The underwater monitoring systems generally have at least one anchor stake which may be referred to as a “central anchor stake” or simply “anchor stake” in the event of a single associated vented pipe. The specific configuration and material of the anchor stake may vary depending upon the bottom to which it will be attached and the associated conditions such as waves, tides, salinity, etc. of the intended location. The term “bottom” refers to a solid, a sedimentary-type, sand, or other surfaces under a body of water, such as, but not limited to, a seafloor, a seabed, a pond bottom, a lake bottom, etc. Suitable bodies of water, include, but are not limited to, sea water, fresh water, lake water, pond water, river water, farming water, produced water, etc. Water in such bodies may vary widely in salinity, temperature, and other chemistry. Advantageously, the instant device may be configured to work in freezing to boiling water and from no salinity to high salinity, e.g., from 0 to hundreds of practical salinity units, or from 0 to 50 practical salinity units, or from 0 to 40 practical salinity units, or from 0 to 30 practical salinity units, or from 30 to 50 practical salinity units.

Generally, suitable materials for the anchor may be any that are appropriate for the intended location and may include, for example, polymers and plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc. Metals and alloys suitable for a marine environment, such as marine-grade stainless steel may also be employed.

The anchor stake may vary depending upon the attachment substrate or bottom of the body of water. Generally, any convenient type of anchor stake may be employed so long as it holds the device to the bottom in an appropriate orientation for the sensor or sensors to function appropriately. For example, if the bottom is a rock surface, then it may be desirable to employ a metal base plate with a screw or other attachment mechanism to attach to the rock. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 wherein metal base plate 501 is configured to attach to one of the pipes 502 via one or more fasteners 503. The metal base plate is then secured to a rock or other hard bottom 504 via one or more fasteners 505. Alternatively, an anchor stake may be a weight with or without any anchor.

In some embodiments the anchor stake may be solid or hollow inside. If hollow, then in some embodiments a sensor may be placed within the anchor stake just as in the vented pipe or pipes. In some embodiments, the anchor stake may also be vented. In some embodiments the anchor stake may be tapered so that the end for insertion penetrates into the bottom, e.g., seabed, is narrower near the end to be inserted into the bottom. The end to be inserted may also be beveled toward the outside of the anchor stake. In this manner the beveled end may displace sediment outside the pipe. If a hollow anchor stake is employed, then a seal may be employed at any point in the interior or it may remain unsealed. The anchor stake may be configured to be fastened to the rest of the underwater monitoring system via a bolt or other connecting mechanism. Alternatively, the anchor stake may be integral with the rest of the underwater monitoring system.

In one embodiment, the anchor stake is a central anchor stake which is a hollow pipe of PVC or other material and may have a beveled end for insertion into the seafloor or other bottom. The upper portion may be vented and/or configured to house an interior sensor. If desired, a rod or second stake may be driven through the hollow interior to further secure the anchor stake to the seafloor or other bottom. Moreover, in some embodiments the underwater monitoring system may have two or more anchor stakes.

In some embodiments the anchor stake may comprise opposing apertures of sufficient size to insert an installation handle. In this manner, an installation handle such as a metal bar may be pushed through the apertures allowing the anchor stake to be twisted and pushed firmly into the seafloor or other bottom thereby securably inserting it. The anchor stake is typically longer than any associated vented pipes so that associated vented pipes are not damaged while the anchor stake is being inserted.

The anchor stake may be connected in any convenient manner to one or more vented pipes that are in some embodiments oriented substantially parallel to the anchor stake. The manner of connecting is not particularly important so long as the vented pipe is configured to protect the sensor and the sensor functions adequately. In some embodiments the anchor stake and one or more vented pipes are connected with one or more substantially perpendicular pipes, bars, screws, or other mechanism. The connecting mechanism may extend through holes in the anchor stake and pipes and secured with one or more fasteners that do not interfere with the sensor function and protection of the sensor. Suitable connecting mechanisms include fasteners such as, for example, a bolt and a corresponding toothed, recessed T-nut and the like. Typically, the anchor stake and one or more vented pipes are spaced apart in some manner such that water circulation to the sensor is not interfered with and is preferably facilitated. In this manner the interior sensor or sensors have access to the circulating water for appropriate measurements while being protected by the pipe from external forces that may damage the sensor.

The vented pipes may be comprised of the same or different material as the anchor stake. The one or more vented pipes typically have an interior and an exterior and are configured to house one or more interior sensors. If desired, the vented pipe and/or anchor stake may also be configured for external sensors, e.g., Doppler sensor. Such external sensors may be attached at any convenient location, e.g., vent, top plate, bottom plate, marine cleat, etc.

The shape of the vented pipes and the anchor stake may vary depending upon the location, type of sensor, environmental conditions, etc. Generally, the cross-section of the vented pipe may be of any shape so long as it is suitable for housing and protecting an interior sensor. In the case of the anchor stake any cross-sectional shape may be suitable so long as the anchor stake reliably holds the device in the proper place. Suitable cross-sectional shapes are circular, square, rectangular, etc. The lengths of vented pipes and anchor stake are generally from about 15 cm up to about a meter, or from about 25 cm to about 80 cm, or from about 30 cm to about 70 cm, or from about 40 cm to about 60 cm. In some embodiments the anchor stake may be longer than the vented pipes. The longest cross-section of the vented pipe and anchor stake, e.g., diameter in the case of a circular shape, also may vary. Typically, for circular pipes the diameter may be from about 1 inch to about 6 inches, or 1.5 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches or from about 2 inches to about 3 inches.

The amount and number of vents, i.e., holes, on the vented pipes and/or anchor stake may depend upon the intended location, as well as the number and type of sensors being employed. Generally, for many loggers or sensors the vents are configured to exchange water between the interior and the exterior while protecting the interior sensor from damage due to, for example, waves, currents, sediment, and the like. Thus, one may design the vents such that the sensor adequately and accurately responds to changes in the water environment. In these loggers the vents may range in size from 3 mm up to as much as ½ the diameter of the pipe. Of course, if there are too many holes or if the vents are too large, then the pipe may be weakened. In contrast, for loggers like a stilling well flow communication is less important and instead pressure communication is useful. Thus, in stilling well applications the vents may be sized from 2 mm to 0.25 inches. In slower moving water and/or where environmental signal to the sensor is a higher priority a greater number and/or greater size of vents may be employed. For higher waves and/or faster currents it may be desirable to have a fewer number of vents and/or smaller size vents.

Vented pipes may comprise a top plate. The top plate may be permanently secured or is preferably removable. The top plate may comprise a fastener for holding a line to attach one or more sensors within the pipe at appropriate positions for suitable measurements by the sensor or sensors. Vented pipes may also comprise a bottom plate. If desirable for water circulation, there may be a drainage opening and/or the bottom plate may be removable.

In some embodiments it may be desirable for one or more of the vented pipes and/or the anchor stake to comprise one or more marine cleats. In this manner a tying mechanism such as a rope, wire, or other type of connection may be made to the marine cleat and one or more anchors. Such anchors may be located laterally from the underwater monitoring device and, if desired, the anchors may be designed such that they may be driven into the seafloor or other bottom deeper than the anchor stake. In this manner, the underwater monitoring device may be more stable and secure against high waves and/or fast currents.

The number of vented pipes is not particularly limited and may depend upon how many sensors are desired for a particular location. Thus, one, two, three, or four or more vented pipes may be employed in various embodiments. If more than one vented pipes are employed and attached to the anchor stake, then it may be desirable to space the anchor stake and two or more vented pipes on the device such that water exchange is facilitated for those sensors in need of water exposure. This also may assist with stability by virtue of having a wider structure. In some cases it may be desirable to locate the anchor stake and two or more vented pipes substantially parallel with each other and/or in the same plane. In this manner the anchor stake and two or more vented pipes are in substantial alignment. By being substantially aligned the device can be placed parallel to a dominant current direction which may further facilitate water exchange and stability. If desired, a float, a light, a location sensor, a transmitter, or other device may be affixed to the device to assist in locating it.

In a specific embodiment there is a central anchor stake pipe, a first vented pipe, and a second vented pipe which are aligned substantially parallel to each other in substantially the same plane. The first vented pipe is configured to house a sensor and the first vented pipe is connected to the central anchor stake pipe on a first side. The second vented pipe is configured to house a second sensor and the second vented pipe is connected to the central anchor stake pipe on a second side. The central anchor stake pipe, the first vented pipe, and the second vented pipe are spaced sufficiently apart to facilitate water circulation through the first vented pipe and the second vented pipe.

The first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, and the second vented pipe may be connected with a substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism that extends through the first vented pipe, through the central anchor stake pipe, and through the second vented pipe. Alternatively, the first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, and the second vented pipe may be a unitary or integrated piece. Of course, this connecting mechanism and any other need not be one piece that extends through the first vented pipe, central anchor stake, and second vented pipe, but rather, one piece may connect or attach the first vented pipe to the central anchor stake while a second piece connects or attaches the central anchor stake pipe to the second vented pipe. The substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism is attached to the first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, and the second vented pipe with, for example, a bolt and a corresponding toothed, recessed T-nut. If desired, a second substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism extends through the first vented pipe, through the central anchor stake pipe, and through the second vented pipe. The perpendicular connecting mechanisms may be located to provide stability and in some cases one may be near a top region of the device and the other closer to the bottom of the device but above the seafloor or other bottom. The first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, the second vented pipe, or any combination thereof may be comprised of PVC or other materials mentioned above. The central anchor stake pipe may comprise opposing apertures of sufficient size to insert an installation handle.

As described above, the vented pipes may be configured to hold or house a sensor. The type of sensor is not particularly limited and includes, for example, sensors for pressure, temperature, pH, salinity, calcium or other elements, dissolved oxygen, depth, alkalinity, depth, algae, flow rates, Doppler, and/or a camera or other device. The device and/or the sensors may be configured to encrypt the data. The sensor data can be stored on the device for collection or alternatively the device and/or sensors may be equipped with a transmitter for remote, wireless collection of the data. If desired, the device and/or sensors may also be equipped with a receiver for receiving control signals from a remote location.

The specific application of the devices described herein is not limited. Any application in which data is needed to be collected in an underwater environment (e.g., a marine environment) may benefit from the device. Useful applications may include, for example, hydrocarbon exploration, hydrocarbon production, fishing, shrimping, oyster farms or other underwater farms, and the like.

Specific Embodiments

FIG. 1 illustrates some representative specific embodiments of a device of the present disclosure. For simplicity, the term “seafloor” will be used in the discussion of FIGS. 1-5, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the discussion applies to practically any bottom and not just a seafloor. A central anchor stake pipe 100 has a portion 101 that may be integral or separate which is designed for insertion at a seafloor such that the bottom portion of vented pipes 103 for sensors are at or near the seafloor. In one embodiment, the portion 101 is separate from central anchor stake pipe 100 and is driven through the hollow interior of 100 into the seafloor. The bottom portion 102 may be beveled toward the outside to facilitate displacement of sediment. Each of central anchor stake pipe 100 and vented pipes 103 for sensors may have a bottom plate 104 with a drainage opening 105. This may impede significant sediment penetration while resting on the seafloor as a datum against which sensor distance from the ocean sediment interface is calculated. Similarly, each of central anchor stake pipe 100 and vented pipes 103 for sensors may have a top plate 106 with a fastener 107 for holding a line to attach the sensor 109 within the vented pipe and an optional handle 118. At least one sensor 109 may be positioned in each of central anchor stake pipe 100 and vented pipes 103. Fastener 107 may be comprised of marine grade stainless steel lifting eye nuts and bolts with a fixed length line for accurate and relatively quick sensor placement. Marine cleats 110 are provided on the vented pipes 103 for attaching to deep anchors 111 with lines 112. Two substantially perpendicular connecting mechanisms 114 are attached to the vented pipes 103 and the central anchor stake pipe 100 with, for example, bolts 119 and corresponding toothed, recessed T-nuts 120 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. If desired, a spacer 121 may be included as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Opposing apertures 115 allow for an installation handle to such as a metal bar to be pushed through so that the central pipe can be rotated for installation. The installation handle can then be removed if desired. As shown in FIG. 4 a central anchor stake pipe 100 may have a bottom portion 102 that is beveled toward the outside to facilitate displacement of sediment. 102. In the embodiment shown, the central anchor stake pipe 100 is not tapered as it is in FIG. 1. A system of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 wherein the bottom portion 102 of central anchor stake 101 is beveled or chamfered to facilitate displacement of sediment or other material.

A representative vented pipe 103 for at least one sensor is illustrated as a stilling well with two small vents 113. This configuration may be useful in the case of, for example, when housing a sensor that can give inconsistent or inaccurate results if exposed to waves and/or currents. Such a sensor includes water level loggers. A representative vented pipe for other loggers, i.e., sensors, is illustrated with larger upper vents 116 and smaller vents 117 which smaller vents allow water exchange at boundary with sediments. As depicted in FIG. 1 the sensor is protected at approximately 15 cm above the seafloor but it should be appreciated that this may vary depending upon the specific configuration.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

It is understood that when combinations, subsets, groups, etc. of elements are disclosed (e.g., combinations of components in a composition, or combinations of steps in a method), that while specific reference of each of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these elements may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. By way of example, if an item is described herein as including a component of type A, a component of type B, a component of type C, or any combination thereof, it is understood that this phrase describes all of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components. For example, in some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type A. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type B. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A and a component of type B. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type B and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A, a component of type B, and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type A (e.g., A1 and A2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type B (e.g., B1 and B2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type C (e.g., C1 and C2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type A (A1 and A2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type B), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type C). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type B (B1 and B2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type A), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type C). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type C (C1 and C2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type A), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type B). 

What is claimed is:
 1. An underwater monitoring system comprising: a central anchor stake pipe; a first vented pipe configured to house a sensor wherein said first vented pipe is connected to the central anchor stake pipe on a first side; and a second vented pipe configured to house a second sensor wherein said second vented pipe is connected to the central anchor stake pipe on a second side; wherein the central anchor stake pipe, the first vented pipe, and the second vented pipe are aligned substantially parallel to each other in substantially the same plane and wherein the central anchor stake pipe, the first vented pipe, and the second vented pipe are spaced sufficiently apart to facilitate water circulation through the first vented pipe and the second vented pipe.
 2. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first vented pipe comprises a top plate configured to hold the sensor within the first vented pipe.
 3. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the second vented pipe comprises a second top plate configured to hold the second sensor within the second vented pipe.
 4. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first vented pipe comprises a marine cleat.
 5. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the second vented pipe comprises a marine cleat.
 6. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, and the second vented pipe are connected with a substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism that extends through the first vented pipe, through the central anchor stake pipe, and through the second vented pipe.
 7. The underwater monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism is attached to the first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, and the second vented pipe with a bolt and a corresponding toothed, recessed T-nut.
 8. The underwater monitoring system of claim 6, further comprising a second substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism that extends through the first vented pipe, through the central anchor stake pipe, and through the second vented pipe.
 9. The underwater monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism that extends through the first vented pipe, through the central anchor stake pipe, and through the second vented pipe is near the top of the underwater monitoring system and the second substantially perpendicular connecting mechanism is near the bottom of the underwater monitoring system.
 10. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first vented pipe, the central anchor stake pipe, the second vented pipe, or a combination thereof is comprised of PVC.
 11. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the central anchor stake pipe comprises opposing apertures of sufficient size to insert an installation handle.
 12. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first vented pipe comprises a first bottom plate with a drainage opening, the second vented pipe comprises a second bottom plate with a second drainage opening, or any combination thereof.
 13. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first vented pipe comprises a top plate comprising a fastener for holding a line to attach the sensor within the first vented pipe, wherein the second vented pipe comprises a top plate comprising a fastener for holding a line to attach the sensor within the second vented pipe, or wherein the central anchor stake pipe comprises a top plate comprising a fastener for holding a line to attach the sensor within the central anchor stake pipe, or any combination thereof.
 14. The underwater monitoring system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the top plates comprises a handle.
 15. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor.
 16. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a float for determining location of the underwater monitoring system.
 17. The underwater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the central anchor stake is configured to house an interior sensor.
 18. An underwater monitoring system comprising: an anchor stake connected to a vented pipe having an interior and an exterior wherein the vented pipe is configured to house an interior sensor and wherein the vents on the vented pipe are configured to exchange water between the interior and the exterior while protecting the interior sensor.
 19. The underwater monitoring system of claim 18, wherein the vented pipe comprises a top plate comprising a fastener for holding a line to attach the sensor and a bottom plate with a drainage opening.
 20. The underwater monitoring system of claim 18, further comprising one or more marine cleats.
 21. The underwater monitoring system of claim 18, further comprising a second vented pipe to house a second interior sensor wherein said second vented pipe is attached to the anchor stake, is spaced apart from the first vented pipe to facilitate water exchange, and is substantially parallel with the first vented pipe. 